Häftler

Häftler (hookers), the nickname given to the Amish in the 18th century and later in South Germany and neighboring territories to distinguish them from the Mennonites who were called Knöpfler (buttoners). The Amish retained the use of hooks and eyes to fasten clothing after their use was displaced by buttons. The German has two words for hook, Hafte and Hake, Hafte being more common in the Palatinate and Alsace.